Good Master Lavatch, give my Lord Lafeu this 2642letter. I have ere now, sir, been better known to you, when 2643I have held familiarity with fresher clothes, but I am 2644now, sir, muddied in Fortune's mood, and smell somewhat 2645strong of her strong displeasure.

Truly, Fortune's displeasure is but sluttish if it 2647smell so strongly as thou speakst of: I will henceforth 2648eat no fish of Fortune's butt'ring. Prithee allow the 2649wind.

Nay, you need not to stop your nose, sir. ; I spake 2651but by a metaphor.

Indeed, sir, if your metaphor stink, I will stop 2653my nose, or against any man's metaphor. Prithee get thee 2654further.

Pray you, sir, deliver me this paper.

Foh! Prithee stand away. A paper from Fortune's 2657close-stool to give to a nobleman? Look, here he 2658comes himself.

Here is a purr of Fortune's, sir, or of Fortune's 2661cat, but not a musk cat, that has fallen into the unclean 2662fishpond of her displeasure, and, as he says, is muddied 2663withal. Pray you, sir, use the carp as you may, for he 2664looks like a poor, decayed, ingenious, foolish, rascally 2665knave. I do pity his distress in my smiles of comfort, 2666and leave him to your lordship.

My lord, I am a man whom Fortune hath 2668cruelly scratched.

And what would you have me to do? 'Tis too 2670late to pare her nails now. Wherein have you played 2671the knave with Fortune that she should scratch you, who 2672of herself is a good lady and would not have knaves 2673thrive long under her? There's a cardecu for you. [Giving him a coin] Let the 2674justices make you and Fortune friends; I am for other 2675business.

I beseech your honor to hear me one single 2677word.

You beg a single penny more. Come, you shall 2679ha't. Save your word. [Gives him another coin]

My name, my good lord, is Paroles.

You beg more than word, then. Cox my 2682passion! Give me your hand. How does your drum?

Oh, my good lord, you were the first that found 2684me.

Was I, in sooth? And I was the first that lost thee.

It lies in you, my lord, to bring me in some grace, 2687for you did bring me out.

Out upon thee, knave! Dost thou put upon me 2689at once both the office of God and the devil? One brings 2690thee in grace, and the other brings thee out. [Trumpets sound.] The King's 2691coming -- I know by his trumpets. Sirrah, inquire 2692further after me. I had talk of you last night. Though you 2693are a fool and a knave, you shall eat. Go to, follow.

I praise God for you.